The St. Patrick's Committee of Holyoke NamesFrederick L. Sullivan, Esq.As 2025 Ambassador Award Recipient

Holyoke, Massachusetts—At today's St. Patrick's Committee of Holyoke meeting, Rep. Richard Neal announced that Frederick L. Sullivan, Esq., is the 32nd recipient of the Ambassador Award. The Award is presented to a person or group that has worked to promote the relationship between the people of Ireland and the people of the United States. Over the years, it has become a symbol of mutual respect, cultural enrichment, and goodwill, celebrated by diplomats, cultural leaders, and policymakers alike.

A member of the Committee since 1974, Fred has served in several leadership roles, including as Chair of the Board of Directors and President in 1990. He was also honored with the O'Connell Award and was Grand Marshal of the 2006 Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade. He is the first Committee member to be honored with the prestigious Ambassador Award, which he was instrumental in creating in collaboration with the Republic of Ireland more than thirty years ago.

This prestigious international award is presented by a representative of the Republic of Ireland on the day of the Parade and comes in the form of a medallion to resemble the medallion that is worn by the Lord Mayor of Dublin. In 1992, Dermot A. Gallagher, then Ambassador to the United States from Ireland, designated that this award would be presented through the St. Patrick's Committee of Holyoke. The Committee is proud to have the distinction of being the only St. Patrick's Parade in the country to have an award that is selected with and through the Republic of Ireland.

Born in Holyoke and raised in New York City, Fred is a founding partner of Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn, LLC, a management-side labor and employment firm with offices in Springfield and Manhattan. Under his direction, the firm has enjoyed a nationwide practice representing profit, governmental, and not-for-profit employers in various industries.

He has been named for over thirty years to The Best Lawyers in America, having been chosen best in his field by other lawyers, and repeatedly, he was selected Best Lawyers "Lawyer of the Year." Fred was repeatedly named to the esteemed Irish Legal 100, a network of distinguished and accomplished men and women of Irish descent in the legal profession. This honored recognition is given to 100 lawyers of Irish ancestry by the Irish Voice Newspaper, with the Award bestowed in person by Ireland's Ambassador to the United States at a gathering held at the Ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C.

"You can't talk about the Holyoke St. Patrick's Committee without mentioning Fred Sullivan," said Congressman Richard E. Neal at Sunday's announcement. "A staunch advocate for his clients, Fred uses that same passion and spirit to celebrate his Irish heritage and promote U.S.-Ireland relations. Fred's work has been celebrated on numerous occasions by the Irish government, who have repeatedly named Fred to the esteemed Irish Legal 100. Above all else, Fred is a good family man, raising his children to aspire to the same values he emulates every day – honesty, integrity, and compassion. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Fred Sullivan."

"Fred's work to create and promote the Ambassador Award was not just a tribute to the deep historical ties between Ireland and the United States; it was a forward-thinking initiative to ensure those ties continue to flourish," said John Beaulieu, Parade President. "His vision has left an indelible mark on both countries, highlighting the importance of collaboration in government, culture, and society. The Committee is thankful to Fred for all the work he has done to put the Committee and the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade 'on the map' and a topic of discussion within the most influential organizations in the United States and within the Republic of Ireland."

Speaking on receiving the Award, Fred said, "It is an incredible honor to receive the Ambassador Award, a symbol of the enduring connection between Ireland and the United States. This recognition is not just about my work but the shared vision and tireless efforts of many who value the deep cultural, historical, and personal bonds that unite our nations. I am profoundly grateful to the St. Patrick's Committee of Holyoke, whose dedication has made this award and the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade a beacon of Irish American pride and goodwill. May we continue to build bridges between our peoples and ensure this legacy thrives for generations to come."

Fred Sullivan will be honored at the Ambassador Award Breakfast on Sunday, March 23, the morning of the Parade, at the Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke. For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit https://holyokestpatricksparade.com/events/ambassadors-award-breakfast-2025.

The 72nd Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade will be held on Sunday, March 23, and the 48th Holyoke St. Patrick's Road Race on Saturday, March 22, 2025.